Monday, August 8, 2011

Style Icon of the Day: Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh (1927-2004) was an amazing, often overlooked actress.

Best known for getting herself stabbed to death in Psycho, Ms. Leigh was an incomparably beautiful woman who managed to exude both innocence and sensuality simultaneously. Not an easy trick to pull off, on screen or in real life. Her other classic films include Angels in the Outfield, Touch of Evil, The Manchurian Candidate, and Bye Bye Birdie. She was an unconventional leading lady with her husky voice and extreme poise, but a treat to watch.

I love Janet Leigh's looks. Although petite, she was a busty girl - no need for padded brassieres here. I can relate.

She also had spectacular dancer's legs. I cannot relate, but I do admire them greatly.

Janet Leigh could wear the hell out of clothes. There's a knack to looking really beautiful in clothing, to wearing an outfit rather than being worn by it, and she had it. The gorgeous figure helped, but it was mostly Ms. Leigh's undefinable air of style and elegance.

She really made her costumes become part of her character. From the buttoned-up vixen look of Marion Crane in Psycho:

To tough but tender Rosie De Leon in Bye Bye Birdie:

To plucky single mom Connie Ennis in Holiday Affair, a wonderful film from early in her career:

Ms. Leigh made everything she wore look not simply beautiful but downright iconic.

Also, she looked great in hats, a trait I gratefully share with her.

And Ms. Leigh's sense of style didn't wane after she passed her ingenue years. She remained a remarkably striking and graceful woman as she aged.

We lost Janet Leigh too soon. But we still have fantastic images of her style to pore over and envy. In fact, if you want to simply overdose on her beauty, check out this gallery from Dr. Macro. Wow.

I can only aspire to Janet Leigh's photogenetic loveliness. I think I could totally rock that Marion Crane hairdo, though. And the smirk. God knows I have the smirk. Now that I think of it, there are probably a few people who wouldn't mind cornering me in a dark motel where no one could hear me scream. Maybe I'll just stick to aspiring. Yeah.